We all have had times when we’ve asked ourselves; why do we even try to please others; they don’t appreciate what we do for them anyway? We run an errand for an elderly neighbor; she acts like we’re obligated to do that for her. We open the door for a fellow carrying a stack of packages into the post office; he ignores our thoughtfulness, and never says a word to us. Our kids act bored on Saturday morning, so we suggest the whole family goes to the mall for ice cream; the kids do nothing but argue the whole time we’re there! It’s enough to make anyone just give up trying to do something nice for someone else!
A once popular comedian by the name of Rodney Dangerfield used to say: “I get no respect!” I think many of us could agree with him; we don’t get any respect either. We get no “thanks!” or even; “I appreciate you doing that for me” when we’ve gone out of our way to be nice to someone. Well, we can’t dwell on the lack of someone’s expressed gratitude or their unmentioned, sincere appreciation. We’re to just keep on doing what the Lord wants us to do, and that is to; love one another and to; do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Our great reward is forthcoming!
The final rewards of Christians and non-Christians will be determined by our relationship with Jesus Christ during our lifetime here on earth. We have a merciful God, but He is just. He will reward each person with what they deserve. Christians will receive eternal life. Those who have put their trust and faith in Jesus, recognizing His sacrifice on the cross can look forward to His reward for them in heaven! For those who during this lifetime do not believe in Him or trust His remedy for their sin will receive judgment – they are damned to eternity in hell. Yes, it’s that simple! But, true! (Revelation 22:12) reveals, Jesus will judge believers according to our works. Our acts of kindness, and consideration are as much for our own salvation as they are for the benefit of those whom we reach out to in our thoughtfulness. We rely on God and His Holy Spirit to lead and guide us while we are here on this earth.
Our “thanks”; our great reward, comes by our knowing “we shall always be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:17) and “we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is” (1 John 3:2). Spending eternity with God Himself is our greatest “thank you!” our greatest reward.
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